Flash3Francisco

I plan on getting a laptop for school. I'll be using it to do personal stuff, YouTube, browsing around, streaming movies, etc. It doesn't have to be expensive because I do have a budget. Which brand should I consider going for? No apple, please.

Some brands that come to mind so far is:

Lenovo
HP
Dell
Sony
Asus
Acer


Any idea which is the better in terms of reliability, performance, price, and durability?

Plan on using it for 4+ years.

Please also suggest some models by linking or posting your own personal experience with any of the brands.

leftywamum0nkey

Generally speaking, without Apple and sorted out of your list from best to worst:
Lenovo (Definitely the best from your list)
Asus (A good second choice)
Sony
HP, Dell, Acer (Unreliable, terrible customer support and Acer uses cheap parts.)

I can't recommend any models without a specific budget, but take a look at the T, X and W series by Lenovo.

docchix3

Apple is the only brand that'll get you over four years, to be honest.

If you're set on a PC though, Lenovo or Asus.

Hebrew

Lenovo or HP will last you over 4 years. People who say HP is terrible haven't used them recently.

PAVenturer

We have had very good luck with HP over the past several years. I have an Asus now and am very happy with it. For the price - I'd go Asus again.

MuzikVillain

If you want a Mac go with Apple of course & If you want a PC go with Lenovo. In my opinion, most of Lenovo's products are on par with Apple's amazing build quality & both have great support. With that said Asus, Dell & HP are your best alternatives, also don't discount Samsung & Sony, while expensive, their premium laptops are great.

Sent from my ADR6300 using CC

WickedFan

I'm an ASUS fan. I think their laptops are the best value.

arghwhy

HP's are good but basically any ultrabook is good from these companies.

Flash3Francisco

Yeah, I know Acer uses cheap parts and breaks down over a few years. I'm not going to Apple! Sorry guys, I'm tired of seeing them everywhere and I don't need those fancy tools that I'll never use again. Most of those who own Macbook don't use their apps at all. I'm going for a Lenovo or Acer. Recommend a model, please!

arghwhy

I would personally go with a lenovo, though acers are not bad.

As for the model, I can't really tell you because I don't have your budget.

I would, however, go for any lenovo ultrabook.

turtlerock

^I third, fourth, or fifth? the above recs for lenovo - ultraboook or otherwise.

As mentioned previously, the T series are on the more affordable side compared to their ultrabooks (and there isn't too much difference in size). The ThinkPad X1 Carbon just went on sale a few days ago for about $1,200 or cheaper depending on where you look. However the T430 is closer to the $750-850 range and while not made with equivalently durable materials, their IdeaPad line of Y series and U (ultrabooks) series come within the <$900 mark.

So from those it will depend on what your needs are and your budget. If you don't need to ultrabook portability, then cross out the U310/410. Don't like the boxy (arguably) outdated looks of the traditional ThinkPad line, then search more into the Y series, which offer comparable performance specs.

I think, generally, any brand and model machine can last 4+ years if you care for it right. I have a 5 year old Toshiba that shows no signs of stopping and my wife has a 4-5 year old Dell that looks and performs like it's nearly brand new. If you think your machine will suffer more than usual undue stress and hardship, then the Lenovo brand has been tested to fare better than the others.

4khaos

I've known several people who used their Sony Vaio over 4 years (and counting) happily. Toshiba has served me well over 4 years as well. In other words, Apple isn't the only brand with quality electronics. My preference for brands would be Toshiba/Asus (balance of value & quality), Sony Vaio (quality), & Lenovo.

Unless a slightly less thick body, slightly less weight, slightly better battery life, possibly faster HDD/SDD, and possibly better screen resolution is worth hundreds of $ to you, stay away from Ultrabooks. Normal laptops have better value, and you can upgrade to SSD yourself for only $80 (depending on SSD size/brand).

The problem with Apple products is that you can't fix them yourself (It's possible, but relatively difficult) and so you're forced to buy extended warranties and/or pay for services by the so-called Geniuses. I don't appreciate that, but many people love the abundant support staff.

Besides, if you're going to pay +$2000 for a laptop, you could get +8 years worth of laptop for the same price by getting three $650 laptops. (Each time you switch, the value will be better because technology is continuously getting better!)

TheVet

my toshiba is beginning year 2, but i have no complaints about it so far!

Flash3Francisco

Grabbing a Lenovo, thanks!

del_psi

Only buy the ThinkPad line , (e.g. X230 , W530 , X1 Carbon , etc.)